Rohde and Schwarz ZPV Vintage Vector Analyzer

The Rohde & Schwarz ZPV is a modular vector voltmeter and network analyzer for precision measurement of AC voltages, phase relationships, and two-port parameters across multiple frequency bands. The base unit performs vector measurements, impedance analysis, S-parameter characterization, group delay calculation, and reflection coefficient indication. Interchangeable tuner modules extend capability from 10 Hz to 2.5 GHz, enabling application across control engineering, crystal and filter testing, antenna characterization, and amplifier validation.

The system features dual numeric displays with trend bargraph, polar and Cartesian output formats, and both linear and logarithmic measurement units. HPIB (IEEE-488) control and multiple analog recorder outputs support automated and swept measurement workflows.

Technical Specifications

Base Unit Measurement Capabilities

• Voltages and voltage ratios of two AC inputs


• Phase relationships and vector measurements


• Two-port S-parameter, Y-parameter, and Z-parameter analysis


• Group delay


• Impedance and admittance


• Reflection coefficient and VSWR indication


• Transmission measurements


• Harmonic and spurious frequency detection (with E1 tuner and generator) Signal Processing & Control


• IF signal processing: 20 kHz


• Internal processor: Intel 8080 with 1 kByte RAM


• Control interface: HPIB (IEEE-488) Display & Output


• Dual numeric display fields: four digits plus three alphanumeric characters (5×7 matrix) per field


• Trend bargraph indicator


• Polar (voltage/ratio and phase) or Cartesian (real and imaginary) coordinate display


• Linear (mV) or logarithmic (dBm) units; absolute or relative to selectable reference


• Recorder outputs: analog sweep, processor D/A conversion, 20 kHz IF, polar sweep, and polar/Cartesian modes Tuner Module Options *ZPV-E1: 10 Hz to 50 MHz*


• Two BNC inputs: 1 MΩ // 17 pF impedance; accepts oscilloscope probes


• PLL circuit above 25 kHz; DDS circuit 10 Hz–25 kHz


• External 50 Ω or 75 Ω terminators for low-impedance measurements


• 10 mV sync input sensitivity *ZPV-E2: 100 kHz to 1 GHz (usable to 1.2 GHz)*


• Two high-impedance probes: 50 kΩ / 2 pF *ZPV-E3: 0.3 GHz to 2 GHz (usable to 2.5 GHz)*


• Two 50 Ω N-socket inputs


• Channel A sensitivity: 1200 µV typical 400 µV (below 1 MHz); 1000 µV typical 300 µV (above 1 MHz)


• Channel B sensitivity: 5 µV typical 3 µV


• Voltage accuracy (100 mV reference): ±0.2 dB to −2.3 dB

Typical Applications

• Control engineering measurement and validation


• Crystal characterization


• Antenna impedance and reflection analysis


• Amplifier gain and phase measurement


• Filter response and group delay testing


• Network parameter characterization across DC to microwave frequencies